Cold Weather And Seniors: How To Stay Safe In The Winter
When the weather turns cold, it becomes more difficult for seniors to stay warm. Seniors are also more likely to have medical conditions that are affected by the cold. These can include heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Here are some ways you can help seniors stay safe during the winter months.
Stay informed about the weather
Seniors are more sensitive to changes in weather, so it's important that they stay informed about the latest forecasts. They should know when to take precautionary measures, like stocking up on food and using extra layers of clothing indoors, for example.
It's also important to be aware of any warnings or advisories in your area. A watch indicates an increased probability while a warning or advisory indicates a high probability of adverse conditions developing, such as frostbite or hypothermia. Knowing about these things will help seniors stay safe during winter months.
Make sure your senior has a radio or cable TV to be alerted of watches and warnings. It's also a good idea to have a backup system, such as a cell phone with a weather app or a weather alert radio.
Prepare ahead of time
One way to help your senior stay healthy this winter is by preparing ahead of time.
Start by stocking up on the supplies they'll need. This includes food that's high in protein, omega-3, and calcium. You should also keep their prescriptions up-to-date and purchase a humidifier if their doctor recommends it.
It's also important to purchase winter clothing for your senior. They may need lined boots or waterproof overshoes. You might also want to buy them a hat, gloves, scarf, or face mask.
You can also make sure they have all the medication they'll need for the season before it starts. This will include medications for pain relief, fever reducers, and cough suppressants.
Some seniors might not be able to get out of the house because of the cold weather conditions in their community or a health condition that affects their ability to move around easily. If this is the case with someone you know, you should check in with them regularly during cold weather times and make sure they're staying warm and healthy in every way possible.
Keep the house warm
Keep the thermostat in the house at 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Close off rooms that aren't being used to keep utility bills down and the warm air in rooms where your senior spends their time.
Make sure there are plenty of blankets and comforters available for seniors to use at home.
If they enjoy spending time outdoors, make sure they come back into the warm house often so they don't get too cold.
Wear plenty of layers
This is one of the easiest ways to keep warm in winter. Wearing layers is an easy way to adapt to changes in temperature. If it's colder outside, you can put on another layer or two. If it's warmer, you can take them off.
The most important thing is wearing enough so that your body isn't exposed to cold temperatures for too long. Since your skin is thinner and less flexible when you get older, this will help prevent frostbite. It also helps with regulating your body temperature so that you don't overheat indoors or become cold outdoors.
Exercise in the afternoon or evening
If your senior likes to step outside for a walk or other exercise but it's too cold in the morning, wait until afternoon or evening. It will be a little warmer and they're less likely to contract a cold from the air outside.
You might also consider gifting them with a gym membership during the colder months so they have a safe, warm place to exercise without worrying about the temperatures outside. Just remind them to spend a few minutes cooling down inside the gym before making their way back outside if they've gotten sweaty.
Keep their medications safe in a cool, dry place
It's important to keep medications at a safe temperature and in a safe place. If you're in charge of managing your loved one's medication, make sure it's in a cool, dry place that will keep the medication fresh and not exposed to moisture.
Seniors should also make sure to take their medication as prescribed. If they don't, they could trigger potential side effects like dizziness or confusion. That can be dangerous when you're trying to go about your day during the winter months.
Putting medication in a medication organizer can be a good way to ensure that it's both safe and taken as prescribed. There are organizers that can show your senior which medication to take each day for anywhere from one week to a full month. Some are even more specific, and can automatically dispense, helping to both reduce any medication errors and allowing you to divide their medications based on taking them in the morning, afternoon, and/or evening.
Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
Winter months can be hard on the stomach. The common cold, flu, and pneumonia are just a few illnesses that typically increase during this time of year. These illnesses can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or simply feeling sick to the stomach.
Most seniors still need plenty of nutrients and minerals in their diet even when they're not feeling well. So make sure they eat fruits and vegetables! Even if it's difficult for them to get out and shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, there are ways you can help your senior loved one stay healthy:
-Buy frozen produce: Frozen produce is good for you year-round. It also won't go bad as quickly as fresh produce. And many supermarkets offer sales on frozen fruit and vegetables when they start to get close to expiring.
-Keep canned goods stocked: Canned goods last for a long time and often come with added nutrients like calcium that tend to be lower in winter months. Canned foods also don't spoil like fresh foods do in the fridge or freezer!
Frozen and canned foods also provide the added benefit of being easier for seniors to prepare. They can simply open the package or can and read the cooking instructions. No need to peel, wash, or cut up fresh produce!
Drink lots of water
One of the best ways to stay warm is to drink lots of water. If the weather outside is cold, make sure seniors are drinking plenty of fluids. Cold weather can causedehydration, which could lead to serious health problems.
Seniors often have a decreased sense of thirst and this is made worse by cold weather, which decreases the sense of thirst by constricting blood vessels. Dehydration can lead to problems like:
- Disorientation or confusion
- Drop in blood pressure
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramping
Encourage your senior to keep a refillable water bottle close by. If drinking plain, cold or room temperature water doesn't appeal to them, suggest drinking hot teas or broths instead.
Check on your seniors regularly
One of the most important things you can do for your senior loved one is to check on them regularly. Check in on them around mealtimes, and every few hours when they're home alone. Make sure they have enough food, water, and medicine.
We can help if you need to find an in-home senior care provider. At Senior Helpers of Greater Oklahoma City, our professional caregivers provide support and assistance in maintaining your elder's independence while giving them the care they need to stay safe and healthy at home.Contact us today!